Multi-Functional Hybrid Panel For Blast and Impact Mitigation and Method of Manufacture

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a multifunctional structure for mitigating the effects of explosions and impeding the penetration of projectiles that is also highly effective at supporting structural (i.e. static) loads. By wrapping a tile in multiple layers of high-performance fabric, upon impact by a projectile additional tensile forces are created, aiding in the deceleration of the projectile. With added layers the tensile forces aiding projectile deceleration increase, resulting in a ballistic panel for use in multifunctional structural/armor systems having a lighter weight and greater stopping power than conventional armor systems in addition to functioning as part of a structure for supporting static loads.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/321,612 entitled “Ballistic Response of Aluminum and Alumina CellularStructures” filed on Apr. 7, 2010. The Applicants of the provisionalapplication are Mark R. O'Masta and Haydn N. G. Wadley. Thisnon-provisional application further claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/356,231 entitled “Ballistic Response ofAluminum and Alumina Cellular Structures” filed on Jun. 18, 2010. TheApplicants of the provisional application are Mark R. O'Masta and HaydnN. G. Wadley. The above provisional applications are hereby incorporatedby reference herein in their entireties.

GOVERNMENT FUNDING

This invention was made with government support under Grant No.N00014-07-1-0764 awarded by the United States Office of Naval Research.The government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to hybrid structures incorporating a multiplicityof materials and topological design that are able to support structuralloads while effectively impeding the penetration of projectiles andmitigating the distributed impulse of a nearby explosion. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to methods and systems that use acombination of high performance metals shaped in the form of sandwichpanels, ceramic tiles and prismatic structures and high-tensile strengthfibers mitigate the impulse loadings due to a nearby explosion and orhigh velocity projectiles.

2. Description of Related Art

The evolution of armor systems has been transformed by the invention anddevelopment of high-tensile strength fibers. Early armor systems reliedon solid high strength metallic plates to defeat projectile impacts andresist the impulsive loadings of a nearby explosion. These plates needto be thick and are therefore heavy when used to provide adequateprotection against modern weaponry. Metals used in these applicationsinclude various grades of steels, aluminum, magnesium and titaniumalloys. Ceramic-based armors have been combined with metals to develop“composite” armors which are extremely hard and generally of lighterweight than all metal solutions. Composite armors that exploit ceramicmaterials such as alumina, boron carbide, silicon carbide, and titaniumdiboride, can all provide a much lighter mass solution to the defeat ofa projectile, especially those that very hard and designed to penetrateconventional metal systems. Unfortunately, these ceramic-armors oftencrack while dissipating the energy of an explosion or a ballisticimpact, thereby weakening the armor against subsequent impacts in thesame region.

Modern armor uses a combination of metals, ceramics and ballisticfiber-based fabrics or fiber reinforced composites to further improvethe resistance to projectile impact. High-performance fabrics have astrength-to-weight ratio several times higher than steel. One of themost popular fabrics is composed of para-aramid fibers (Kevlar® byDuPont and Twaron® by Teijin Aramid), however, other commonly usedhigh-performance fabrics are composed of ultra-high molecular-weightpolyethylene (Spectra® by Honeywell and Dyneema® by DSM), polyamides(Nylon® by DuPont), PBO (Zylon® by Toyobo), M5®, (DuPont) and carbon (IMseries by Hexcel and T series by Toray) fibers. A fabric hit by aprojectile can rapidly slow or decelerate the projectile by acting as aweb of high tensile fibers, pulling on the projectile and forcing arapid deceleration. When layered with ceramics and/or hard metals, suchfabrics can not only provide a stopping measure for projectiles, butalso helps retain the original shape of the armor components.

Layering in conventional ceramic and hard metal armor systems can oftenbe covered by a spall shield—a layer of a polymer fiber fabric orcomposite usually positioned at the rear of the armor to catch materialejected from the armor during an impact event. The spall shield helpsprevent the ejection of high velocity fragments of either the ceramiclayer or the projectile after projectile contact.

One solution creates a large aramid fabric compressed between plasticsheets and secured in place to the surrounding structure, such as a vestor panel wall. Another solution encapsulates a ceramic structure inorganic compounds, then creates a backing structure of Kevlar® orDyneema® (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,478,579). Both solutions can help maintainthe form of impacted ceramics. However, while these ceramic armorsystems offer a significant advantage over previous armor systems inmaintaining the shape of ceramic components, there exists a need forarmor systems capable of stopping projectiles of even greatervelocities, while maintaining the shapes of ceramic components and a lowweight. It is further important to recognize that none of thesesolutions is designed to carry structural load or mitigate the effectsof a nearby explosion and their ballistic integrity can be seriouslydiminished when exposed to explosive loadings or severe nearby impacts.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Thefeatures and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained bymeans of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out inthe appended claims. These and other features of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention asset forth herein.

An armor system for decelerating a projectile is disclosed. In oneaspect, the system is formed of a number of tile or prismatic structuresarranged in a grid structure. A tile is wrapped in multiple layers of ahigh-performance fabric from multiple directions. The tiles preferablyare designed as anti-projectile tiles, and can be metallic, ceramic, ora metal-ceramic composite. An example of a metal-ceramic hybrid is ametallic frame with ceramic inserts. After selection of the tile, it iscontinuously wrapped in multiple layers of fabrics such as Kevlar®,Twaron®, Dyneema®, Spectra®, Zylon®, M5®, Nylon® and IM- or T-seriescarbon fibers. The invention specifically calls for a single sheet usedfor the wrapping so as to minimize free ends to sheet.

In another aspect, consolidation of the wrapped tile occurs, finishingthe wrapped tile into a compact tile without loose fabrics. The methodof consolidation varies according to the fabric and/or tile used, butmay include hot pressing or autoclave processing. These hot presses orautoclaves can ensure any adhesive/resin sets properly, and creates acompact confined product. Further aspects can include implementation ofthe wrapped tile into an overall armor design, including additionalstructures for maintaining armor shape after projectile impact. Theseadditional structures can include a spall shield, a lattice structurefor holding tiles, blast absorbing panels and a back panel. All of thesestructures can further aid in projectile deceleration. A key aspect ofthe invention is the use of space behind the fabric wrapped the or prismlayer. This is created by ledges on through-thickness webs onto whichthe fabric wrapped tiles/prismatic ballistic packages are placed. Thisbehind armor space is used to enable the fabric free motion during aballistic stopping event and to allow the vertical webs to buckle duringa blast event. The design of the through-thickness webs can be optimizedto facilitate construction of a sandwich panel in which the websestablish a wide gap between the faces. In this way the panels exhibithigh bend resistance under static and blast loads and are highlyeffective at mitigating the penetration of projectiles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and otheradvantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a moreparticular description of the invention briefly described above will berendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not thereforeto be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will bedescribed and explained with additional specificity and detail throughthe use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of wrapping a tile infabrics, with a consolidated view;

FIGS. 2A through 2C are cross-sectional views of an exemplary tilebefore being wrapped with aramid fabric, after being wrapped with aramidfabric, and after being impacted by a projectile;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary lattice structure;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary lattice structure being populated withsandwich panels and a back panel;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary lattice structure being populated withsandwich panels, a back panel, a spall shield, and tiles wrapped infabric;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method claim for producing one possibleembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below.While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understoodthat this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled inthe relevant art will recognize that other components and configurationsmay be used without parting from the scope and spirit of the invention.Having specified that alternative embodiments exist and those discussedhere are illustrative only, the disclosure turns to a general discussionof the invention.

Disclosed is an improved form of projectile armor, with methods ofmanufacture and implementation. Units of high-performance fabric arewrapped around a ballistic tile. Exemplary aramid fabrics are woven orlayered from Kevlar®, Twaron®, Dyneema®, Spectra®, Zylon®, M5C), Nylon®and IM- or T-series carbon fibers, which all have high-tensile strengthto weight ratios several times greater than steel. The number of fabriclayers wrapped around a ballistic the can vary, though in a preferredembodiment application of the fabric is continuous and positioned suchthat the fabric envelopes the entire ballistic tile. As used herein, theterm “high-performance fabric” shall refer to any such fabric that issuitable for use as anti-ballistic material.

The number of units or rolls of fabric can vary. In most embodiments,the number of rolls used equals the number of sets of parallel sides.For example, a square has 2 sets of parallel sides, and thus uses tworolls. A hexagon would use 3 rolls, an octagon 4, and so on. Generallythese separate rolls of fabric will be applied such that fabric coversthe entire ballistic tile, though on occasion there may be incentive toexpose a piece of the panel or have certain sections of the panel lesswrapped than other sections. In one embodiment, the rolls will beapplied sequentially, each roll forming a layer until all the rolls haveformed layers, and repeating this sequential process until wrappingcompletes. In another embodiment, one roll wraps around the tile untilcomplete, followed by a second roll, and so on until all rolls have beenused.

After completion of wrapping, the wrapped tile becomes consolidated andused as anti-projectile armor. Consolidation can be performed using hotpresses to remove any additional air in the fabric layering and seal thelayers together. Consolidation can also be performed using autoclaves,which can cure any interior adhesives used, such as those used foradhering ceramics to metal tile frames or for adhering fabric layers toone another. One purpose of consolidation is to make a smooth, compact,finished product which can be used without likelihood of unraveling.

An exemplary advantage of wrapping tile in fabric is that upon impact ofa projectile, the fibers of the fabric receive tension from largersurface areas created by material in the interior of the tile. Thisincreased surface area creates additional stopping power, particularlywhen the projectile fragments. Under normal circumstances, a projectilewith sufficient kinetic energy will, upon entering a ceramic, crack andpush the ceramic in a distal direction and angles to the distaldirection from the projectile. The tremendous kinetic energy alsocreates a void in the wake of a projectile expanding, referred to as“mushrooming,” of the ceramic and creating greater tension in thefibers. The fragmented and dispersed load from the originally intactprojectile involves a larger amount of the fabric wrapping. The largevolume of fabric is all under tension absorbing tensile strain energyand pushing back against the expanding fragmented debris. As theprojectile pushes matter into the “exit side” of the tile, the tensionwill continue to increase, pulling back on extruding tile portions andresulting in rapid deceleration and dissipation of kinetic energy.Testing shows that implementing such a system can result in dramaticallyincreasing the velocity a tile can absorb without projectile escape.Other exemplary advantages can include a reduction in weight, anincrease in flexibility, and an increased ability to retain tile orceramic pieces after impact deformation.

Exemplary implementations may include a wrapped tile being placed withina cavity of a vest for use as individual body armor, or a wrapped tilebeing placed into a lattice with other anti-projectile measures, such asa spall shield, a composite back panel, or a blast mitigation layer. Animplementation with a lattice could, in some instances, be too bulky foruse in an individual's body armor, but could be implemented intobuilding or vehicular systems. The disclosure now turns to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment 100. The ballistic tile 102shown will be wrapped in aramid fabric 104 a, 104 b. The ballistic tilecan be of any material desirable to promote deceleration of projectiles,such as metal plates, ceramic tiles, or composite tiles. For example,the ballistic tile 102 depicts an Aluminum 6061-T6 frame with Alumina(Al₂O₃) ceramic inserts, but can be replaced with a steel plate, or apurely ceramic material. In particular the tile 102 can be made of atleast one of aluminum, steel, magnesium, titanium, boron carbide,silicon carbide, aluminum oxide and cermets (metal matrix composites).

The fabrics 104 a, 104 b are shown in rolls, but can be any shape whichallows the fabric to be continuously distributed when wrapping theballistic tile 102. Because the ballistic tile 102 shown has four sidesit has two sets of parallel sides: top and bottom, left and right. Thisresults in two units of aramid fabric 104 a, 104 b to be used forwrapping the tile. If, however, one desired a tile with a hexagonalshape, three units could be used—one for each set of parallel edges. Inanother aspect, one could use four units or rolls of fabric on a squaretile, one starting on each unique edge of the tile. Both the shape ofthe tile and the number of units of aramid fabric can be modified to theparticular situation desired by a user.

Having discussed the ballistic tile 102 and the general nature of thefabrics 104 a, 104 b, the fibers 104 a, 104 b wrap around the ballistictile 102. Wrapping occurs sequentially, as indicated by the arrows 106.In this example a first roll 104 a would be wrapped around tile 102 in afirst direction, followed by a second roll 104 b wrapping around thetile 102 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.Each application of a roll 104 a, 104 b applies a single layer of fabricaround the tile. This process continues until a desired number of layershas been applied to the tile. In a preferred embodiment, each roll offabric applied to a square tile as shown in FIG. 1 would be appliedeleven times, resulting in twenty-two total layers of aramid fabricaround the tile.

Upon completion of the wrapping consolidation begins. A consolidatedwrapped tile 112 of multiple layers will then have dimensions 108, 110which can be used for calculation purposes when implementing theconsolidated tile into projectile armor systems. The consolidated tile112 shown has markers for the corners. In certain embodiments cornerpieces may be used for locking the tile into place. In otherembodiments, the corners may be rounded and smooth. Here, corner piecesare shown to mark the edges of the consolidated units, aiding indistinguishing separate tiles when combined with other anti-projectiletechnology.

FIGS. 2 a-2 c illustrate an exemplary side view of a composite ceramictile before being wrapped 2 a, after being wrapped but pre-impact 2 b,and after impact 2 c. As in FIG. 1, the composite ceramic tile has ametal frame 202 and ceramic inserts 204. FIG. 2 b shows the compositeceramic the wrapped in fabrics 206. The number of layers may vary fromthat shown according to user needs.

FIG. 2 c shows this same exemplary wrapped composite ceramic the afterimpact from a projectile 216. The projectile impacted and entered thewrapped the at a location 208. As the projectile entered the wrappedtile, kinetic energy was dispersed such that matter not in theprojectile's trajectory was pushed away, resulting in mushrooming 210.The mushrooming pushes back on the wrapped fabrics, increasing theoverall tension of the fabrics. As the projectile continues through thetile, it pushes matter into the fabric layers on the “exit side” of thewrapped tile. This creates additional tension in the fabrics resultingin a hoop stress 212 and 214 circulating the tile 112. If, as in thisexample drawing, the projectile lacked sufficient kinetic energy toemerge from the wrapped tile, the fabrics on the exit side of the willremain intact. In this case one may find the projectile 216, or itsshattered pieces within the deformed tile. If the kinetic energy weresufficient the wrapped fabrics may also break. In considering thetension forces resisting against or pulling on the projectile as itimpacts the wrapped tile, one must not forget that the tensile forcescome from all sides as a consequence of fabric wrapping in multipledirections, not just those shown in the figures.

In one possible implementation of a wrapped anti-ballistic tile asdisclosed, the wrapped the fits into existing armor or body armorsystems. Another possible implementation places the wrapped tile into ahoneycomb lattice structure, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The latticestructure 300 can be made of any material suitable for this purpose,such as metal, plastic, ceramic, or otherwise. The lattice 300 containsspecific segments for population by armor components. A top segment 302exists for affixing spall shielding or other armor plating sufficient tohold other components in and prevent ricochets. A first level 304 existsfor insertion of the wrapped tiles, a second level 306 receives a blastmitigation layer, and a bottom segment 308 receives an interior spallshield. Other implementations of the wrapped tile in an armor system mayadd or remove any additional layers. For example, the use of multiplelayers of wrapped tiles or the creation of an air gap layer are bothpossible embodiments. In addition, the lattice structure 300 shown neednot be based on square openings, and a multilayered lattice could haveoffset tile locations from layer to layer.

FIG. 4 illustrates a lattice structure system 400 for a multifunctionalpanel similar to that shown in FIG. 3 being populated with components inaccordance with a method of manufacture of a multifunctional hybridpanel according to the invention. The lattice structure 402 can becomposed of various materials. In a lower level 408 a blast mitigationtile 404 slides into place in the lattice 402, where it can be lockedinto place by screws, nails, adhesive, or other suitable means forlocking tiles into place, forming a fixed tile 406. The blast mitigationtile 404 can be formed of any material suitable for absorbing anddispersing energy from blast or explosion events. An interior view 414of these blast mitigation tiles 404 shows that they can, in certainembodiments, be sandwich panels. To the bottom of these panels 410 afinal layer 412, or interior spall shield, can be attached, aiding inretaining impacted materials and providing a final layer of projectiledefense as a solid piece of armor 416.

FIG. 5 illustrates a lattice structure panel 500 similar to the latticestructure shown in FIG. 4, now being further populated with wrappedballistic tiles 502, 508. A wrapped tile 502 becomes placed into a space504 on top of the blast mitigation tiles 404 inserted in FIG. 4. In oneembodiment, an air gap exists between the ballistic tiles 508 and theblast mitigation tiles 404, in which the size of the air gap is relatedto the failure strain of the fabric in tension and the width 110 orlength 108 of the tile (see FIG. 1). After insertion, a wrapped tile 508may be secured using screws, nails, adhesive or other suitablematerials. To the top of the lattice structure system 500 a spall shield506 may be applied after insertion of all desired wrapped tiles.

The completed lattice structure panel 500 is also highly effective atsupporting structural (i.e. static) loads in addition to impedingprojectile penetration and mitigating blast effects of explosions. Forexample, the completed panel 500 may be used in the construction of anarchitectural structure (for example: pillars, walls, shielding,foundations or floors for buildings or pillars, wall shielding floors),a civil engineering structure (for example: road facilities such asnoise resistant walls and crash barriers, road paving materials,permanent and portable aircraft landing runways, pipes, segmentmaterials for tunnels, segment materials for underwater tunnels, tubestructural materials, main beams of bridges, bridge floors, girders,cross beams of bridges, girder walls, piers, bridge substructures,towers, dikes and dams, guide ways, railroads, ocean structures such asbreakwaters and wharf protection for harbor facilities, floatingpiers/oil excavation or production platforms, airport structures such asrunways), military security/protection/defense structures; machinestructures (for example: frame structures for carrying system, carryingpallets, frame structure for robots, etc.), automobile structures (forexample: body, frame, doors, chassis, roof and floor, side beams,bumpers, etc.), ship structures (for example: main frame of the ship,body, deck, partition wall, wall, etc.), freight car structures (forexample: body, frame, floor, wall, etc.), aircraft structure (forexample: wing, main frame, body, floor, etc.), spacecraft structures(for example: body, frame, floor, wall, etc.), space station structures(for example: the main body, floor, wall, etc.), and submarine, ship orwatercraft structures (for example: body, frame, etc.).

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method of manufacturing a ballistictile. First a base panel, or tile, is wrapped in fabric (602). The basepanel can be metallic, ceramic, or a composite of both metals andceramics. In one exemplary embodiment, ceramic inserts are placed within an aluminum frame. Another embodiment could use a solid metal plate.Fabrics used to wrap the base panel can include popular fabrics such asKevlar®, Twaron®, Dyneema®, Spectra®, Zylon®, M5®, Nylon® and IM- orT-series carbon fibers. In a preferred embodiment, the wrapping will beseveral layers thick, and layers alternate in different directionsbetween multiple rolls or units of fabric. In other words, a first rollcan wrap around the base panel in a first direction creating a firstlayer, and a second roll can wrap around the base panel in a seconddirection, creating a second layer. There can be additional rolls orunits of fabric, applied in the same or alternative directions, invarious embodiments.

Upon being wrapped in multiple layers, the wrapped panel is consolidated(604). A purpose of consolidation can be to finish the conversion of thewrapped panel into a ballistic panel. To this end, one exemplaryembodiment uses heat to adhere separate layers of fabric to one another,preventing unwrapping of the panel. Another exemplary embodiment coulduse adhesive to cement the layers together. Certain embodiments mayrequire autoclaves to cure resins in the fabric or with ceramic insertsinto the base panel. Another purpose of consolidation can be to removeany additional air gaps in the fabric layering. Upon consolidation thenewly formed ballistic tile can be implemented by means discussedearlier, or by means available to those with skill in the art.

Although the above description may contain specific details, they shouldnot be construed as limiting the claims in any way. Other configurationsof the described embodiments of the invention are part of the scope ofthis invention. For example, the present invention appears to apply mostdirectly to projectile armor technologies, but could also be applied toother types of armor or construction technologies. Accordingly, theappended claims and their legal equivalents should only define theinvention, rather than any specific examples given.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for manufacturing a ballistic tile,comprising: wrapping a base the in high-performance fabric, yielding awrapped tile; and consolidating the wrapped panel to yield the ballistictile.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein consolidating the wrapped tilefurther comprises using at least one of a hot press and an autoclave. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein the base the comprises at least one of ametallic tile, a ceramic tile, and a composite tile.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the composite tile further comprises a metallic framewith ceramic inserts.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the fabriccomprises at least one of Kevlar®, Twaron®, Dyneema®, Spectra®, Zylon®,M5®, Nylon® and IM- and T-series carbon fibers.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein wrapping the base the comprises at least two separate unitsof fabric wrapped in unique directions.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein the at least two separate units of fabric wrapped in uniquedirections alternate wrapping the base panel sequentially.
 8. The methodof claim 1, wherein wrapping the base panel in fabric comprises creationof multiple layers of wrapped fabric covering the base panel.
 9. Aballistic tile, comprising: a base the wrapped in at least two layers ofhigh-performance fabric that have been consolidated, yielding aballistic tile.
 10. The ballistic the of claim 9, wherein thehigh-performance fabric has been previously woven or layered into aballistic fabric.
 11. The ballistic the of claim 9, the wrapped tilefurther comprising multiple layers of high-performance fabric.
 12. Theballistic the of claim 9, wherein the base the comprises at least one ofaluminum, steel, magnesium, titanium, boron carbide, silicon carbide,aluminum oxide and cermets (metal matrix composites).
 13. The ballisticthe of claim 9, wherein the base the comprises at least one of a metal,a ceramic, and a polymer composite.
 14. A multifunctional system forresisting ballistic projectiles and/or mitigating blast effects ofexplosions, comprising: a multi-tiered lattice structure with a top, atop cavity, a bottom cavity, a gap between the top cavity and the bottomcavity, and a bottom; a blast mitigation material attached to themulti-tiered lattice structure in the bottom cavity; and a ballisticpanel wrapped in high-specific strength consolidated fabric attached tothe multi-tiered lattice structure in the top cavity.
 15. The system ofclaim 14, further comprising: at least one of a strike plate attached tothe top of the multi-tiered lattice structure and a spall shieldattached to the bottom or top of the multi-tiered lattice structure. 16.The system of claim 14, wherein the ballistic panel further comprises atleast one of a metal, a ceramic, and a metal-ceramic composite and fiberreinforced composites.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein thehigh-specific strength consolidated fabric comprises at least one ofKevlar®, Twaron®, Dyneema®, Spectra®, Zylon®, M5®, Nylon® and IM- andT-series carbon fibers.
 18. The system of claim 14, wherein theballistic panel is wrapped by at least two rolls of high-specificstrength fabric, sequentially alternating layers of fabric from the atleast two rolls of high-specific strength fabric.
 19. The system ofclaim 18, wherein each of the at least two rolls of high-specificstrength fabric wraps around the ballistic panel at least twice.
 20. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the gap between the top cavity and thebottom cavity has a depth associated with a dimension of the ballistictile, the tensile strength of the fabric and the elongation to failureof the fabric.
 21. The system of claim 14, wherein the system is part ofa static load bearing member of any one of: an architectural structure,a civil engineering structure, a military security/protection/defensestructure, a machine structure, an automobile structure, a shipstructure, a freight car structure, an aircraft structure, a spacecraftstructure, a space station structure, and a submarine, structure.